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6 Job-Hunting Advantages

Pessimism among U.S. job seekers has risen because of the troubled economy, but experts say the downturn shouldn't discourage people who want to find a new or better job.

According to a Yahoo! HotJobs survey in August, 53 percent of workers believed the job market would get worse in the next six months. In addition, 28 percent said they wanted to look for a new job but were too discouraged by the current economic climate.

Despite those sober perceptions, some sectors in the job market are seeing plenty of hiring activity.

"There's no reason to start panicking," said John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the nation's first outplacement consulting organization. "You can't think of the job market as too monolithic. A number of industries out there are doing very well currently. Health care, energy, international business, agriculture, and commodities are thriving."

Regardless of your chosen industry, experts recommend six ways to overcome pessimism and gain an advantage in a tight job market:

* Commit to action, repeatedly. "Even if there are no immediate prospects in sight, devise a schedule that involves you in job-hunting activities at least a few hours a day and stick to it," says Alexandra Levit, author of "Success for Hire: Strategies to Find and Keep Outstanding Employees." The schedule will keep you moving steadily forward until you catch a break, she adds.

* Network online and off. "When looking for a job, tell everyone about your situation and the type of opportunity you're seeking," says Senna. "And don't forget about the Internet -- employers increasingly are turning to their online connections during the hiring process."

* Learn from your misfires. Oscar Adler, author of "Sell Yourself in Any Interview," compares job-hunting to baseball, noting that players don't always hit home runs. "Notice after every at bat professional ballplayers think about what they did wrong. The job seeker should do the same."

* Don't limit your possibilities. "Unless it's drastically lower than your job expectations, a lesser title, pay, or benefits may get you in the door," says Pat Mayfield, president of Pat Mayfield Consulting. "Once you've landed a job you will have a chance to prove yourself and move up."

* Reach out to your support systems. A lengthy job search can take a toll on your self-esteem. "Instead of withdrawing from the people you care about, make an effort to connect with them," says Levit. "Their support will help sustain a positive attitude, which is critical when you're networking and interviewing."